Meet Summer Justice

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Summer Justice a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Summer, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from support from friends and family. I have been through so many traumatic events and each one has shaped my life and how I choose to be towards others.

I suffered alone as a child in the foster care system. So for my formative years, I didn’t have a support system. I was in therapy as a child and I think that helped me process some early traumas, but it wasn’t until my adoptive parents took me in that I realized what life was supposed to be like.

By that point, I was 7 years old and had lived in 9 separate foster homes. I suffered child abuse, sexual abuse, child labor, neglect and mental abuse.

I trusted no one. Until my mom and I had a come to Jesus moment and she had to hold me tight and tell me she wasn’t going anywhere when I had a meltdown. From there, my parents showed me family life and supported my dreams always.

Later on in life I met some really amazing friends who all root for me constantly. My little family I’ve created with my husband is so special to me. I’m giving the life I wanted as a child to my children to the best of my ability.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a radio personality and News Director on two stations’ morning shows. I also host my own show on the Alternative station after the morning show ends, and on Sunday evenings on the rock station.

I grew up listening to 94.3 KILO and always wanted to work there. When I got out of the Navy I used my G.I. Bill to get my Associates in Radio and Television Production. Radio was my dream growing up because for me, in foster care, the DJs were the only constant for me. I used to pretend I was one of them with my boombox.

I got an internship at RXP 103.9 while I was in school and got hired on before I graduated. Both stations RXP is now X103.9,) are owned by Bahakel, a smaller mom and pop company/family. They have kept our local radio scene alive for 46 years and counting.

I am also in charge of graphics creation and managing the websites for both stations. I love what I do! We also host podcasts with many celebrity guests and bands. I love when we have bands in the studio!

Part of my responsibilities include hosting a Public Service Announcement show called “Street Beat” named after my predecessor Gary Street. I interview many nonprofits and other groups locally that have fundraisers or events coming up. I find that work very rewarding because we (in radio) have a responsibility to serve the public and I feel like I’ve helped connect community members to services they never knew about.

2025 is a mystery that I can’t wait to tackle!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think having skills I learned in the Navy were helpful for me to be more of a team player. I served in the Seabees from 2008-2013 and went overseas to Spain and Afghanistan in that time.

I had to learn how to overcome many challenges and I think that helped me when I transitioned into civilian life.

I would say, for someone wanting to get into radio, they tell you day one in school, don’t expect a big paycheck. But the experiences you could have are what make it worth it. I work with such a great team and there aren’t big egos trying to get ahead of everybody else. Try to have that mentality because the radio industry is a small world.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My entire work team from sales to fellow jocks. But especially my management. They give great feedback and have helped me grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.x1039radio.com/bios/summer/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/summerjusticeradio
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/summerjusticeradio
• Soundcloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/summerjustice
• Other: I also used to write music! You can find it on all streaming platforms under my name, Summer Justice.